New Delhi: Air India on Friday terminated their Captain of the Phuket-Delhi flight who tested non-negative for usage of psychoactive substances after the aircraft accident investigation body recommended ‘appropriate’ action on a ‘priority’ basis.
Action by the airline followed hours after the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report of the ‘serious accident’ regarding altitude change on the August 4 flight and asked Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to take action against the Pilot-In-Command on a priority basis.
Captain Sudeep Vashistha, 34, had tested non-negative in the first test right after the flight landed in Delhi. Following which a confirmatory test followed. However, that too tested non-negative for marijuana. Vashistha was off-roster all this while.
While asking DGCA to take action against the Captain, AAIB in its report said, “It has been observed that the PIC was found non-negative for psycho-active substance in the confirmatory test. The confirmation of use of psycho-active substances is a serious concern and AAIB recommends appropriate actions by DGCA on priority.”
Air India said its actions were in line with its zero-tolerance approach. In a statement it said, “In line with Air India’s zero-tolerance approach to violation of safety, fitness or regulatory requirements, the pilot’s employment has been terminated with immediate effect.”
Earlier in the day, while acknowledging the preliminary report of the accident, the airline hinted of the impending action as well.
A statement posted by the Tata Group-led airline said, “Air India remains committed to implementing any recommendations arising from the investigation.”
Notably, the airline voluntarily introduced mandatory screening for thousands of its pilots across the Group for any possible usage of psychoactive substances.